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Green more than veteran presence for Marlins

4/29/13: After sending the game into extras in the ninth with a sac fly, Nick Green comes through again with a walk-off sac fly in the 15th

By Joe Frisaro
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- In recent days, the Marlins have received production from a veteran utility player.

Nick Green, who opened the season at Triple-A New Orleans, delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly on Monday night.

Green's fly ball to left field in the 15th inning gave the Marlins a 4-3 win over the Mets. Twice, Green drove in pivotal runs. In the ninth inning, his sacrifice fly forced extra innings.

And on Sunday, Green also chipped in with a home run against the Cubs.

Because of injuries, Green is getting an opportunity to play infield for the Marlins, his eighth MLB team.

"I just want to play the game the right way -- the way it's supposed to be played," Green said. "To bunt a guy over or do whatever it takes to get a guy in in certain situations. I feel like everybody is starting to loosen up and not put as much pressure on themselves in those situations."

Green and Chris Valaika have split time at shortstop since Adeiny Hechavarria went on the disabled list with a bruised right elbow. Although Hechavarria could be reinstated in the next few days, chances are Green and Valaika will both remain with the big league club.

On such a young team, Green is providing a professional approach at the plate. He came up big on a night the Marlins had slugger Giancarlo Stanton strain his right hamstring.

In his postgame interview with Fox Sports Florida, Green received a shaving cream pie to the face, courtesy of Justin Ruggiano.

"I'm more of a utility guy than an everyday player, although I can play every day," Green said. "Hopefully, we can all pull together and not put the pressure on ourselves to do too much. To be able to battle through a game like that short-handed, then Stanton goes down and to be able to come back was huge for us."